From Villar d'Arène to Alpe d'Huez

Follow in the footsteps of the Tour de France! This tour takes you up the legendary Alpe d'Huez climb, with its 21 switchbacks and 13.8 km of 7.9% climbing.

From the parking lot, join the departmental road and head for Grenoble. Be careful, after about 1 km, following two hairpin bends, you'll pass through the Ardoisières tunnel, followed by the Serre du Coin tunnel, 1 km further on. The tunnels are poorly lit, so remember to make yourself visible to other vehicles.

At the end of the Serre du Coin tunnel, continue straight on through the village of La Grave, heading for Grenoble for around 15 km. During these 15 km, take care when crossing the Grand Clos and Chambon tunnels. The tunnels are poorly lit, so remember to make yourself visible to other vehicles.

Pass the Chambon dam and continue on the RD 1091 to Bourg d'Oisans for 13km. On the descent, take care when crossing the Infernet and Commères tunnels.

After a long straight stretch, there's a traffic circle marking the entrance to Bourg d'Oisans. Take the first exit on the right towards Alpe d'Huez.

After 1km on the flat, start the climb. Be careful to manage your effort over the first few kilometers: some sections are 12%.

Once in Alpe d'Huez, head for the Tourist Office, then follow the signs "Itinéraire du Tour de France" to the official finish at the top of Avenue du Rif Nel.

Once there, turn around and head back down Avenue du Rif Nel. At the first traffic circle, go straight ahead, and at the next, go straight ahead. Continue down from Alpe d'Huez to Bourg d'Oisans.

At the Bourg d'Oisans traffic circle, take the 3rd exit on the left and drive up the Romanche valley on the R 1091 to Villar d'Arène (approx. 30 km).